Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

It is normal for a person to lose 50-100 hair a day. However, more significant hair loss may lead to less hair on the scalp and aesthetic issues. In addition, hair loss may not be life-threatening; nonetheless, it could suggest severe underlying nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this article explores the most common vitamin deficiencies causing hair loss.

It is interesting to note that hair is the fastest-growing tissue. All hair follicles were formed before a person was born. As far as hair loss is concerned, it seems that genetic issues and nutritional deficiencies are the leading cause.

Although hair loss is a common problem in both genders, it is often more severe in men. By the age of 50, almost half of all men would report some balding. On the contrary, just about one-fourth of women of the same age report significant hair loss.

Vitamin deficiency causing hair thinning and hair loss may affect both genders equally. Additionally, it is essential to understand the role of vitamins and other nutrients in hair health, as boosting their intake may help prevent hair loss. Increasing certain vitamins and minerals intake is an effective and safe way to improve hair growth.

Hair growth phases

Human hair is made up of hair follicles and hair shafts. Hair follicles can be seen as hair roots, and a person is born with a fixed number of hair follicles, and their number does not increase after birth. So, another important part is the hair shaft or visible hair.

There are three phases:

• Anagen phase– during this period, there is rapid growth, and this phase lasts 2-7 years. During this phase, hairs can grow by several inches. How long hairs grow depends on genetics, age, nutritional status, and other factors.
• The Catagen phase is a short and transitional phase that lasts about 2-3 weeks. During this phase, hairs stop growing and become detached from the blood supply.
• Telogen phase– a resting phase that continues for another 3 months.

These three phases are followed by hair fall, and a person sheds about 50-100 hair daily. Since the anagen phase is the longest, 80-90% of hair is in this phase.

Common causes of hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia is men’s leading cause of hair loss, causing male pattern hair loss. Some ethnicities are more prone to issues like androgenetic alopecia than others.

Whereas female pattern hair loss is less poorly understood but seems to be due to:

• hormones
• genetics
• stress

Other significant causes of hair loss are autoimmune conditions like:

• alopecia areata
• fungal infections
• stress
• more

How fast a person loses hair also depends on nutritional status, and thus the importance of understanding the roles of vitamins and various nutrients in hair loss.

Vitamin B12 deficiency and hair loss

It is known that those with low vitamin B12 are more likely to suffer from hair loss. However, researchers do not fully understand the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in hair loss. Nonetheless, it is known that those with low vitamin B12 are more likely to experience hair loss.

Experts think vitamin B12 plays an important role in improving hair follicle proliferation. Thus, vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining hair growth during the anagen phase.

Additionally, low vitamin B12 results in higher anxiety, low-stress tolerance, and other changes in the body, which may ultimately contribute to hair loss.

Folate/folic acid deficiency and hair loss

Folate or folic acid seems to act quite similarly to vitamin B12, is vital for hair growth, and plays an essential role in neural health. It may also help by improving the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and normalizing immune responses.

For example, one of the studies found that those living with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition causing hair loss in patches, are more likely to have folate deficiency. Folate deficiency may cause patchy hair loss.

Biotin deficiency and hair loss

Biotin is the most extensively studied vitamin for hair loss. It is also essential for healthy nails. Thus, biotin is often found in various hair loss remedies.

Moreover, it is a vitamin necessary for

• metabolic reactions
• synthesis of fatty acids
• protein metabolism

There is strong evidence that this vitamin plays an important role in hair and nail health. Thus, those living with this vitamin deficiency are more likely to have thin hair or even hair loss. Therefore, being deficient in biotin may be the primary cause of hair loss in many, or it may increase the risk of other ailments causing hair loss.

One of the studies on women complaining of hair loss found that almost 40% of them were living with biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency increases the risk of conditions like fungal infections and even allergic diseases.

Additionally, a systemic review of studies shows that high biotin intake considerably helps prevent hair loss caused by various factors. Additionally, it is also suitable for nail growth.

Riboflavin deficiency and hair loss

Riboflavin is essential for forming coenzymes like flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), thus playing a vital role in cellular development metabolism of fats, energy production, and hair growth.

The human body stores only tiny amounts of this vital vitamin and is thus prone to its deficiency. This is the reason why its deficiency may occur in many cases, causing thinning of hair as well as hair loss.

Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss

This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for keratinocyte growth and differentiation and thus for hair growth. It is especially needed in the anagen stage. Low vitamin D level is associated with thinning of hair and increased hair loss. Studies show that those living with severe vitamin deficiency, rickets, suffer from severe hair loss, thus confirming its role in hair health (4).

Sufficient vitamin D intake promotes healthy hair growth. It seems that keratinocytes are rich in vitamin D receptors. Additionally, vitamin D receptors also have a role in autoimmunity. It means that vitamin D intake may prevent hair loss in multiple ways. Adequate vitamin intake can restore hair growth.

Some people also suffer from a vitamin e deficiency. Each hair follicle needs the right nutrients, so ensure you get plenty of vitamin e. Try consuming:

• red peppers
• almonds
• spinach

Zinc deficiency and hair loss

Although the body needs zinc in minute amounts, it is an essential micronutrient. Its deficiency can cause multiple health issues. Zinc is required for more than 100 enzymes function.

In addition, it plays an important role in:

• immunity
• protein synthesis
• wound healing
• DNA formation
• cell division

Zinc deficiency may cause hair loss due to reduced protein synthesis and changes in the immune response. Additionally, it may cause hair loss due to various metabolic changes.

Studies confirm a strong association between hair loss and low serum zinc levels. For example, in one of the studies in patients living with sleeve gastrectomy, researchers found significant hair loss in those with low zinc levels. It means that zinc is among the essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.

Selenium deficiency and hair loss

It is a trace element, which means that body needs it in extremely small amounts. Yet, it plays an important role in many body functions. It is among the essential nutrients. Selenoproteins play an important role in reproduction, metabolism, thyroid health, DNA synthesis, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.

It appears that low selenium increases the risk of hair loss due to changes in immune responses and perhaps other poorly understood mechanisms. However, there is evidence from many studies confirming the association between low selenium intake and increased hair loss.

Thus, one of the comparative studies found that those living with alopecia areata (AA) are more likely to have a selenium deficiency than healthy adults. It means that selenium deficiency increases the risk of autoimmune conditions causing hair loss. Hence, sufficient selenium intake may be especially good for preventing hair loss.

Iron deficiency and hair loss

The human body has about 3-4 grams of iron, most of which is present in the blood in the form of haemoglobin. It means that without iron-red blood, cells cannot carry oxygen to various tissues.

However, iron is also needed for physical growth, brain development, and cellular functioning. It is also essential for the formation of some hormones.

The human body strictly controls the iron level in the body. Thus, the daily need for iron is pretty small. However, iron deficiency may occur due to increased blood loss due to:

• menstrual cycle
• trauma
• piles

Additionally, iron deficiency occurs in some people due to poor iron absorption. It may be due to some changes in the gastrointestinal tract, the use of medications, and more. Some foods like those high in polyphenols may also interfere with iron absorption. Vitamin C, on the other hand, promotes iron absorption.

Some signs of iron deficiency are:

• anaemia
• fatigue
• weakness
• slow growth.

Additionally, those living with iron deficiency are more likely to suffer from hair loss.

Vitamin C deficiency and hair loss

This water-soluble vitamin plays an important role in immunity. It is also required to produce collagen, neurotransmitters, proteins, and more. It is a potent antioxidant. Additionally, it is also needed for iron absorption.

Its deficiency causes many health issues like:

• joint pain
• slow healing of wounds
• skin disorders
• low immunity
• hair loss

Vitamin C is not just good for preventing hair loss. And it is suitable for cardiovascular health, prevents cancer, and helps prevent seasonal infections. Thus, those looking to reduce hair loss must consider boosting their intake of this vitamin. You can get vitamin C from orange juice, which is great for your immune system.

Managing hair loss through dietary measures

One cannot modify genetic causes of hair loss or reverse ageing. However, one can boost dietary intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and other phytocompounds. Healthy diet help prevent hair loss in multiple ways. Dietary measures also help by boosting immunity, improving metabolic health, and more.

Those experiencing hair loss must start by boosting protein intake. Studies show that low protein intake is often one of the contributing factors to hair loss. Amino acids are the building block of the body, and they also promote hair growth.

Some foods rich in proteins and help prevent hair loss are:

• eggs

• nuts
• beans
• dark green vegetables
• fish
• red meat
• chia seeds

• fatty fish
• dairy products
• chicken
• turkey

Next, pack your diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is one of the best ways to get an ample supply of vitamins. Moreover, natural vitamins have higher bioavailability. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and other phytocompounds that may be good for those living with female hair loss.

One may also think about switching to the Mediterranean diet. Studies show that such kind of diet is good for cardio-metabolic health and weight loss and reduces the risk of androgenic alopecia.

For best results, consume:

• parsley
• basil
• green salads

As a result, many people may experience considerable improvement within three weeks.

Hair loss treatment options

When it comes to hair loss treatment, one may even start with multivitamins, as they contain most vitamins that are good for hair.

In addition, many multivitamins also contain:

• iron
• zinc
• selenium

Moreover, multivitamins are available without a prescription.

However, multivitamins are low in some vital vitamins like vitamin D supplements and biotin. Thus, it is a good idea to take 800-1000 IU of vitamin D daily additionally because it’s important to ensure you don’t have low vitamin d levels because this stimulates cell growth.

Additionally, start taking biotin, also called vitamin H or B7. Three to five milligrams of biotin a day is sufficient for most people. These two vitamins are especially good for those diagnosed with alopecia areata.

Next, consider some natural supplements. However, before taking a supplement, one should know about the cause of hair loss, as they may not help in all cases. For example, some studies suggest that saw palmetto is quite good for preventing hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia. Additionally, it is also good for improving prostate health in men.

For those who experience hair loss due to mental stress, or chronic fatigue, it would be good to consider ginseng. It is a good idea also to use topical ginseng solution and oral intake. Phytochemicals in ginseng are known to encourage good hair growth.

Additionally, one should consider lifestyle measures like regularly washing hair and keeping the scalp healthy. However, do not wash hair multiple times daily, as it may be counterproductive.

Another way of boosting hair development naturally is using hair oils. In many parts of the world, people have traditionally used hair oils, and epidemiological studies show that people in those parts of the world have healthy hair. Some of the oils to consider are:

• coconut oil
• olive oil
• argan oill
• other essential oils.

One may not just apply these oils but also use them for a gentle scalp massage.

Combining natural remedies and supplements with laser therapy is a good idea. It appears that red light therapy may significantly boost hair growth in some. In addition, it seems to be quite good for hair follicles.

Among the topical medications, Minoxidil is the US FDA-approved remedy that works in most cases. Nevertheless, one may need to use it for several weeks to experience any benefit. It is because hair growth is a slow process. Nevertheless, minoxidil works in about two-thirds of cases.

When it comes to medications, few pharmacological drugs can help. However, one should use those medications only under medical supervision as they can have severe side effects. For example, finasteride works well for male pattern baldness. Doctors can also effectively treat autoimmune conditions, fungal infections, and more.

We’d always advise talking to your doctor or health professionals before you start taking iron supplements, dietary supplements or vitamin d supplements. Equally, if you’re worried you’re not getting the right iron rich foods, vitamin d levels or essential fatty acids, talk to your doctor.

Hair transplant

When all the treatments fail, or someone starts treatment too late, most hair follicles die, causing irreversible baldness. So, the last option is going for a hair transplant.

In the case of hair transplants, doctors use autografts. It means that doctors punch grafts from the place where there are still some healthy hairs. For example, they would usually take a graft from the back side of the head. Doctors do not use grafts from other people, as it would result in graft rejection.

They punch a graft that contains 10-15 hairs. Generally, doctors would transplant 50 to as many as 700 grafts in a single session. Before transplanting, a doctor would trim the donor area, as short hair is easier to transplant. Then, doctors use additional strategies like injecting saline into the graft site to ensure proper skin strength. If you have a question or want to find a place with highly trained hair transplant experts in Poland, then Europe Surgery is the place.

Hair transplants work for all, but some people may partially lose transplanted hair. In such cases, hair transplant repair may be an option.

FUE hair transplants

However, another kind of hair transplant is gaining popularity these days: Follicular unit extraction (FUE). It involves removing individual follicles for one part of the body and then transplanting the individual follicles where it is needed. This method is superior in the way that each follicle is removed using micro punches, which leaves no scars or marks behind. Of course, such a hair transplant requires more work, but it also results in better results.

Transplanting individual follicles (FUE) is labour intensive, often needs multiple sessions and is relatively more expensive.

One commonly asked question is regarding the best age for hair transplant. Experts do not recommend hair transplants in those younger than 25 years, as the hair loss pattern has not been fully established. However, it is a good idea to consider a hair transplant after the age of 30.

If you want to learn more about how a hair transplant work, you can learn more about it here: https://europesurgery.co.uk/how-does-a-hair-transplant-work/

Conclusion

To conclude, hair loss may occur for many reasons. However, androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of baldness. However, baldness may occur due to many other reasons like vitamin deficiencies. In young adults, lifestyle interventions, dietary changes, and vitamin supplements may help prevent or slow down hair loss.

However, hair transplantation may be the best option for those above 30 years with established baldness and complete loss of hair follicles in the scalp.

• When is the best age to get a hair transplant?

• How long does a hair transplant procedure last?
• Can you get a hair transplant repair?
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